Ledger iO Start | Ledger Start® | Get Started with Your Ledger Hardware Wallet

If you’re new to cryptocurrency or simply upgrading from a software wallet, getting started with a hardware wallet like Ledger can feel like a leap. But with the right guidance, it’s straightforward — and well worth it. This article walks you through how to begin, why you should use the official onboarding flow at Ledger.com/start, and how to manage your digital assets safely using Ledger Live, including Ledger Live Desktop.

Why Choose a Ledger Hardware Wallet

Cryptocurrency ownership means trust — not in a third-party custodial service, but in yourself and the tools you use. Ledger wallets deliver on that trust by offering self-custody, offline private key storage, and physical confirmation for every transaction.

  • Ledger devices use a secure hardware element (“Secure Element” chip) to generate and store your private keys entirely offline. This architecture ensures that private keys never leave the device, and that even if your computer or phone is compromised by malware, your keys and funds stay safe. Ledger+2Ledger+2

  • Because the keys never get exposed online, Ledger wallets protect against many of the common attack vectors that plague pure software wallets or exchange-based wallets. Ledger+1

  • You remain the sole custodian of your funds — you, and only you, control when assets move or are accessed. That’s the essence of “self-custody.” Ledger+1

For anyone serious about crypto security — whether holding Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), altcoins, or NFTs — a hardware wallet backed by Ledger and managed via Ledger Live is among the safest choices.

Starting Off: Visit “Ledger.com/start”

The official onboarding journey begins at Ledger.com/start — not via a Google search, not via a random link someone sent you. Always type the URL manually to avoid phishing or malicious imitators. Teachable+2Ledger Teachable+2

On that page, you’ll find device-specific instructions — whether you own a Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or any future Ledger hardware wallet. Teachable+1

What to Have Ready Before You Start

Before beginning setup:

  • A brand-new, sealed Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) from an official source. Teachable+1

  • A computer or smartphone with internet access. Teachable+1

  • The USB cable (or Bluetooth-capable phone for Nano X) included with the package. Ledger Academy+1

  • A quiet, private space to complete the setup — phishing and shoulder-surfing remain risks if not careful. Ledger Academy+1

  • A notebook or metal backup tool (not a screenshot, not a cloud note) to write down your 24-word recovery phrase. This is critical. Teachable+1

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Ledger Wallet

Here’s how the setup process works, using the flow from Ledger.com/start. Teachable+2Ledger Getting Started Guide+2

  1. Unbox and Inspect
    Check that the package seal is intact and that nothing looks tampered with. Ledger devices are not pre-initialized — you will generate your 24-word recovery phrase during setup. Ledger Academy+1

  2. Download Ledger Live
    From the official site, download the Ledger Live application — either desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS/Android). Teachable+2Ledger Academy+2

  3. Connect Your Device
    Plug in your Ledger device via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X). Launch Ledger Live and select “Set up as a new device.” Teachable+1

  4. Choose a PIN Code
    You will be prompted to choose a 4–8 digit PIN code on the device itself. Never store that PIN digitally — memorize or store it securely offline. Teachable+1

  5. Generate and Secure Your Recovery Phrase
    Ledger will generate a unique 24-word recovery phrase. This phrase is crucial — it’s your only backup if the hardware wallet is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Teachable+1

    • Write down the words in the exact order on the provided recovery sheet (or a metal backup).

    • Do not store the phrase on any digital medium (notepad, cloud, screenshot). Teachable+2Ledger Academy+2

    • Confirm the phrase when prompted on the device to ensure you recorded it correctly. Teachable+1

  6. Complete Setup in Ledger Live
    Once confirmed, open Ledger Live. From there you can install coin-specific apps, add crypto accounts (e.g., BTC, ETH, etc.), and view your portfolio. Ledger Academy+2Ledger Teachable+2

At this point, your Ledger hardware wallet is ready — private keys are offline, seed phrase is safely backed up, and Ledger Live offers a user-friendly interface for managing your assets.

Why Use Ledger Live (Especially Ledger Live Desktop)

Using Ledger Live — especially Ledger Live Desktop — alongside your hardware wallet unlocks powerful features while preserving the security model that makes Ledger trusted.

🔐 True Offline Security

When you use Ledger hardware + Ledger Live, private keys remain inside the secure chip; transactions are only signed inside the hardware. Ledger Live acts only as a communication and management interface, never exposing keys to your computer or the internet. Ledger+2en-us-desktop-ledgerr.pages.dev+2

💼 Portfolio Management & Asset Support

With Ledger Live Desktop you get:

✅ Convenience without Compromising Security

Ledger Live Desktop allows you to manage, monitor, and transact without sacrificing the core benefit of hardware wallets — offline, secure key storage and manual confirmation of every transaction. Desktop Ladgrr+1

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When getting started — and even long after — you should be mindful of some common pitfalls:

  • Never download Ledger Live from unofficial sources. Always use Ledger.com/start to ensure authenticity — fake or malicious apps could steal your seed phrase. Teachable+2Google Sites+2

  • Never store your recovery phrase digitally — not on your phone, not in cloud storage, not even as a photo or screenshot. The seed is the master key to all your assets. Teachable+2Ledger Academy+2

  • Never skip firmware updates. Ledger periodically releases updates via Ledger Live to patch vulnerabilities and add support — delaying updates can leave you exposed. ledger-live-en-desktop.teachable.com+1

  • Always verify your device’s authenticity before initializing — counterfeit or tampered devices can compromise your security before setup begins. Teachable+1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What exactly is Ledger.com/start?
A: It’s the official onboarding portal provided by Ledger where you download the correct Ledger Live version and get step-by-step instructions to initialize your hardware wallet safely.

Q: Can I set up my Ledger wallet on a phone instead of a desktop?
A: Yes — Ledger Live is available for iOS and Android, and if you have a Nano X (with Bluetooth support), you can use mobile. But desktop setup is recommended for full features.

Q: How long does the initial setup take?
A: Generally 10–20 minutes — including connecting the device, choosing a PIN, writing down the 24-word recovery phrase, and installing Ledger Live.

Q: What happens if I lose my device?
A: As long as you have your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet (and assets) on a new Ledger device. If you lose both device and phrase — regretfully — you lose access permanently.

Q: Can I manage NFTs, tokens, and multiple cryptocurrencies with Ledger?
A: Yes — Ledger Live supports many blockchains, tokens, and even NFTs (depending on the network). You can add multiple accounts, manage assets, swap tokens, and track your portfolio.

Q: Is Ledger safer than a software wallet?
A: Yes. Because Ledger stores private keys offline in a secure hardware chip and requires physical confirmation for each transaction, it’s much more resistant to hacking, malware, and phishing than a purely software wallet.

Q: Can I skip writing down the recovery phrase and only use Ledger Live backup?
A: Absolutely not. The 24-word phrase is the only backup. If you lose the device and don’t have the phrase, you lose your assets forever.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the smartest decisions you can make if you care about real control and security over your crypto assets. The process may seem a bit technical at first — but by following the official flow at Ledger.com/start, using Ledger Live (especially Ledger Live Desktop), and adhering to best practices (offline seed storage, strong PIN, verified downloads), you’re investing in long-term peace of mind.

With your private keys kept offline, recovery phrase safely tucked away, and transactions needing physical confirmation, Ledger offers a robust foundation for self-custody. No matter whether you’re holding Bitcoin, altcoins, or NFTs — once correctly set up — you can sit back, track your portfolio, and sleep better knowing your crypto is secured by hardware and not by trust in an exchange or online wallet.

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.